PORT ANGELES — Port of Port Angeles commissioners reviewed a slate of 28 capital projects totaling $37.5 million scheduled for next year.
They also updated on marina redevelopment and airport improvements, and approved several new consultant contracts and leases on Tuesday.
The port currently has about $50 million in active projects and another $102 million in the pipeline, not including those in 2026. An updated list of 2026 capital projects and budgets will be presented at the Oct. 28 commissioners meeting.
Director of Engineering Chris Hartman said much of his department’s focus next year will be on the Intermodal Handling and Transfer Facility improvements project, a major infrastructure enterprise. More than 75 percent of its $13,819,900 cost is covered by grants.
A marine trades multi-user building is in the early planning phase, he said. Consultants will begin design and permitting in 2026, with construction expected in 2027. The facility will be occupied by Arrow Marine Group, which is working closely with port staff on timing and relocation plans.
To fund its share of capital work, the port is evaluating a mix of cash and debt options, including a limited tax general obligation bond or other financing tools. Staff estimated that at least half of its $9.4 million contribution to next year’s capital project spend could be supported locally.
“We’re looking at all options,” port Executive Director Paul Jarkiewicz said. “It’s just a matter of what’s most cost-effective.”
Commissioners also revisited ideas for redeveloping the Marine Drive property next to Boat Haven where Castaways Restaurant Lounge stood before it burned down in January 2022.
Director of Economic Development Caleb McMahon said the site wasn’t on the five-year capital plan, but that “it’s one of the best pieces of real estate we have.”
The port is moving forward with a master plan for upgrading West Boat Haven Marina by replacing and rehabilitating old infrastructure to meet the needs of those who use it.
In a briefing to commissioners, consultants BST Associates, PND Engineers and the architectural firm MAKERS said recreational fishing activity is rising and local marine trades remain strong, which is driving the need for longer slips, improved amenities and expanded upland space.
The consultants proposed five different layout options. They included pivoting from the current north-south to an east–west orientation — a preference of the boating community that could reduce overall slip count by up to 12 percent and likely require higher moorage rates.
Redevelopment of the West Boat Haven Marina is expected to cost about $16 million, and it would be phased across a number of years to minimize disruption to tenants and businesses.
A copy of the consultants’ presentation can be found in the meeting agenda at tinyurl.com/4zzzs6vr.
Meanwhile, commissioners unanimously approved two consultant agreements tied to the Western Port Angeles Harbor Site cleanup, a joint effort among the six potentially liable parties (PLPs) under a consent decree with the state Department of Ecology.
The PLPs selected Tetra Tech to lead the remedial design work for the cleanup, with a contract of $489,757, to be shared equally among them. Work will begin this fall and continue through spring 2026. The design phase is expected to cost about $11 million, and it will be followed by construction and monitoring of the site located on the harbor’s western shoreline.
A second contract between the port and Floyd|Snider for $204,445 will provide the port with technical oversight and legal support during the cleanup process.
The port’s portion of each contract is expected to be reimbursed through its environmental liability insurance.
Commissioners also approved an expanded lease with the Composite Recycling Technology Center at the Airport Business Park, allowing the company to take over the building’s final vacant space to establish a 3D printing lab. The new two-year lease will begin Jan. 1, 2026, following a two-month no-cost access period for equipment setup.
Commissioners also approved a $5.04 million contract with Seaton Construction to reconstruct and rehabilitate Taxiway A at William R. Fairchild International Airport.
The project includes new pavement, lighting and signage upgrades. Four bids were received, and Seaton was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Airport Manager James Alton said an earlier bid round drew no proposals due to a compressed schedule, which was adjusted. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Port commissioners declined to approve a memorandum of understanding with the North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition, citing a lack of clarity on specific roles and responsibilities for each participating entity.
Commissioner Steve Burke recommended that port create an amendment or exhibit detailing each partner organization’s duties before signing. Commissioner Colleen McAleer abstained from voting due to her signature authority on behalf of the Clallam Economic Development Council, for which she is executive director.
Recompete aims to move 675 local participants into high-wage jobs over five years, with the port helping to track outcomes alongside other coalition partners.
Port staff said they would coordinate with the Clallam County to develop the amendment and report back at the next meeting.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
